If these are the dog days of summer (you know, the hottest, most oppressive days of the year) then clearly we need some books about dogs to carry us through. How’s that for literal interpretation. I’m not talking just any books about dogs though. I’m only featuring books about dogs that aren’t really depressing. You know why? Because when a student comes up to me and says “I like books about dogs.” You can pretty much bet that they don’t mean I like books where the dog gets beaten a lot or dies in the end. And yet when I scan the shelves, what leaps out at me is Old Yeller or a recent book that everyone raves about The Underneath. I’m not denying these are good books. They just might not be the best books for a kid who likes dogs. So we’re aiming for content canines around here.
Start out with Pantaloon and I’ll be back shortly with more furry friends for you.
So where does Love That Dog fall? I love that book but it’s not, um, uplifting….?
Yeah, Love That Dog will not be featured this month. I love it, but I would never give it to a kid that loved dogs.
The Bunnicula stories by James Howe have good dogs in them. I remember liking a book about a great dane called Petey, by Betty Cavanna. Call of the Wild and Kavik the Wolf Dog by Jack London are good for dog lovers, although they do have sad parts. Also, some author whose name starts with Kj had a long set of books about dogs — I remember the shelf in my school library where I devoured them even if I’m blanking on all names.
There are lots more, but I’m away from my house so I can’t scan the shelves.
Beth – I’m so glad other people can think of happy dog books! Maybe I’m the only one with a tendency to remember only the grim. Or maybe I just need to give a stern talking to whoever thought I would like depressing dog books.